Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive type of cancer that affects the lungs, heart and other organs. It is primarily caused by exposure to airborne asbestos particles and can remain dormant in the body without signs and symptoms for decades after exposure.
Risk factors for mesothelioma
About 3 out of 4 people diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma are over age 65. The disease is four times more common in men than women.
You are at increased risk for mesothelioma if you have a history of exposure to any form of asbestos, a group of minerals made of tiny, durable fibers. Because these fibers resist heat, fire, and electricity, they were used widely in building materials, insulation, and car brakes. Workers who have installed, removed or handled asbestos are most likely to get mesothelioma. High-risk jobs include shipyard, construction and insulation work. Some talc-based cosmetics still contain trace amounts of asbestos contamination.
When asbestos is damaged or disturbed, its long fibers can break into tiny particles that can be inhaled or even swallowed and potentially lead to mesothelioma cancer. Most asbestos use was banned in the United States in 2024, but some asbestos is still used under rigid restrictions. Many U.S. houses built before 1980 contain asbestos that is generally safe unless it is disturbed or damaged.
In addition to people who may have been directly exposed to asbestos, family members of workers exposed to asbestos can also be at risk for mesothelioma if the worker brings home clothing that has been contaminated with tiny asbestos particles. People who have used talc-based products or cosmetics contaminated with asbestos are also at risk for mesothelioma.
Symptoms of mesothelioma
Mesothelioma sometimes takes up to 40 or 50 years for symptoms to appear. As a result, it is often diagnosed at later, more difficult-to-treat, stages, early symptoms may be ignored at first, or mistaken for common, minor ailments.
Most mesotheliomas are found when you visit your health care provider because of symptoms you may have. These signs and symptoms can be different depending on the type of mesothelioma, but any type of mesothelioma might typically cause symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing due to pleural effusion
- Sometimes called “water on the lungs,” pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid in the space between the pleura membrane and chest wall, which creates pressure on the lungs that makes it more difficult to breathe. Pleural effusion is typically the earliest sign of asbestos-related disease, but not everyone who has pleural effusion will have mesothelioma.
- Fever
- Excessive sweating, especially at night
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss (without trying)
- Blood clots
Can mesothelioma be prevented?
Certain safeguards may decrease your risk of developing an asbestos-related illness:
- Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.
- Avoid “disturbing” asbestos. Never drill, hammer, cut or move any item you think may contain asbestos, such as floor or ceiling tiles.
- If you are concerned about asbestos exposure in the workplace, talk with your employer, who is required to follow strict on-the-job regulations issued by the Occupational and Safety Administration (OSHA).
- If you have a history of asbestos exposure, talk to your doctor about watching for symptoms.